Paediatrics
Why Should you choose Paediatrics ?
Co-ordinator - Dr. Cecil Vella
Aims
To initiate, supervise and implement a structured training program for paediatric trainees in the Department of Paediatrics.
Key players will be trainers in the Department of Paediatrics (Consultants and Senior Registrars) and trainees at various stages in Specialist training.
Overview
Training will be based along guidelines published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2005 and will run over a period of eight years. Following completion of rotated general medical and surgical house jobs (Foundation course) prospective trainees will enter the Paediatric Department as Basic Specialist Trainees (BST) for the first three years. During this period, trainees are expected to obtain the MRCPCH examination. The first three years of training will be called Basic Specialist Training (BST1, BST2). Admission for Higher Specialist Training (HST) during year four and five will require acquisition of the MRCPCH examination and a favourable report based on the trainers assessment of the first three years of training.
This period of training will focus on sub-speciality rotation and acquisition of skills required for a detailed knowledge and understanding of diseases in children.
The last three years of training will prepare the trainee for the knowledge, confidence and competence required from consultant paediatricians.
Performance assessments will be carried out regularly throughout the training program. Trainees would be expected to take part in academic activities including publications and conferences. Failure to acquire the MRCPCH examination by the end of the third year in training may result in termination of the training program.
Basic Specialist Training (Year 1-3)
Trainees in the first three years of training will acquire most of their skills from the daily routine work as required by the firm they are attached to. During on calls, their performance will be assessed by the Senior Registrars on duty. The aim of this training is to acquire a broad fundamental knowledge base and clinical skills in paediatrics. Trainees in the BST1-3 will have four hours weekly of protected teaching time. These should preferably be divided in two hours classroom teaching and two hours bedside teaching. It is essential that trainees attend for teaching and it is their responsibility to make sure that sessions are delivered.
BST's will be expected to have obtained their MRCPCH by the end of their BST training. Progression to HST will not be an automatic process but will depend on obtaining the MRCPCH examination and a certificate of completion of basic specialist training.
Higher Specialist trainees (Year 4-7)
Training at this level will essentially entail sub-speciality rotation within the Department of Paediatrics. During these four years HST will be encourage to spend a period of time at a centre of excellence overseas in order to improve their skills and experience. This period of time would not normally exceed one year.